Why Gigi Hadid pulled out of Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show in China

An angel lost her wing on Friday when Gigi Hadid, an American supermodel, pulled out of Victoria’s Secret fashion show which has been scheduled to hold next week in Shanghai.

Her shocking decision comes a few months after she appeared in an online video where she made a slant-eyes face while holding up a Buddha-shaped cookie. Her thoughtless action was heavily criticized by many who believed the gesture was a popular stereotype about Asian facial features.

Image: Gigi Hadid

The 2016 International Model of the Year was accused of racism, and when she announced in August that she would be part of the upcoming Shanghai event, many Chinese netizens warned her not to bother visiting.

The decision to pull out of this year’s VS annual event evoked pity, regrets and anger in China with many people feeling her action has been over-flogged by the media even after she tendered an unreserved apology.

“Suddenly I have better feelings about VS. If she had come, I would never buy VS my entire life,” an internet user wrote in the most popular Chinese social media outlet.

“What a pity. I like her a lot,”another one wrote.

There are speculations that the attack on Hadid will affect Victoria’s Secret upcoming show in Shanghai after rumors surfaced that Russia’s Julia Belyakova, Kate Grigorieva and Irina Sharipova, and Ukraine’s Dasha Khlystu will miss the event due to visa problems.

“That’s getting into a Chinese government issue. Victoria’s Secret is not going to comment on that,” a spokesperson for VS told reporters ahead of the show which starts on Monday November 27.

I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year. Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!! Can't wait to tune in with everyone to see the beautiful show I know it will be, and already can't wait for next year! 🙂 x